Cambodia Discovery - Independent Journey

Days

6

Price from

$1,990AUD

Cambodia's Angkor Wat is one of the most prominent attractions in all of South East Asia. Long considered 'lost', the ruins of Angkor were never really lost to the Khmers, who have used the monuments as religious sites throughout their history. The site includes the ancient city area of Angkor Thom, with its many carved stone faces standing as silent witnesses to former days of glory, and Ta Prohm, a temple complex slowly being reclaimed by the jungle. Explore vibrant Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, and visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a sombre reminder of the reign of Pol Pot. The revitalised city is also home to Wat Phnom, as well as the Silver Pagoda that is located in the Royal Palace. Phnom Penh's waterfront, located near the confluence of the Tonle Sap and the mighty Mekong River, is a hive of activity and a great place to relax.

Independent Journeys

Independent travel, without the stress. Peregrine’s Independent Journeys are a range of Peregrine's best-selling group tours, available for 1-3 people. They depart on any day and are accompanied by a Peregrine guide in each location and 24/7 support from the local Peregrine office.

Cambodia Discovery - Independent Journey

Cambodia's Angkor Wat is one of the most prominent attractions in all of South East Asia. Long considered 'lost', the ruins of Angkor were never really lost to the Khmers, who have used the monuments as religious sites throughout their history. The site includes the ancient city area of Angkor Thom, with its many carved stone faces standing as silent witnesses to former days of glory, and Ta Prohm, a temple complex slowly being reclaimed by the jungle. Explore vibrant Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, and visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a sombre reminder of the reign of Pol Pot. The revitalised city is also home to Wat Phnom, as well as the Silver Pagoda that is located in the Royal Palace. Phnom Penh's waterfront, located near the confluence of the Tonle Sap and the mighty Mekong River, is a hive of activity and a great place to relax.

Independent Journeys

Independent travel, without the stress. Peregrine’s Independent Journeys are a range of Peregrine's best-selling group tours, available for 1-3 people. They depart on any day and are accompanied by a Peregrine guide in each location and 24/7 support from the local Peregrine office.

Why we love this trip

Enjoy two fully guided days at some of the world's most impressive temples near Siem Reap, with in-depth insights into the history of these extraordinary structures and plenty of time at Angkor Wat

Soak up the laid-back feel of Phnom Penh while also seeing the important sights of Phnom Penh on a full-day guided tour - from the glorious Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, to the unforgettably sobering experiences of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek (Killing Fields)

This trip maximises your time in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with an included flight between these two major cities. So there's no need to worry about a long day of travel

Experience the friendliness of the people who have survived the ravages of a tragic civil war

By dining on delicious local cuisine at the Sala Bai Hotel School, you're supporting the cause of underprivileged hospitality students in training

Is this trip right for you?

The bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge is a painful but important part of Cambodian history to confront. If you would rather not visit the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, just let your leader know.

You will visit a number of temples which requires a level of modesty. You will need to bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

It’s important to prepare for hot and sticky temperatures during the day and cooler climates in the evening. Layers are the best way to tackle this disparity in weather.

Gallery

Itinerary

Sua s'dei. Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. You'll be transferred to your hotel – upon arrival you will meet with your local guide who will be collecting your travel Insurance details and next of kin information. If you have free time in the afternoon, perhaps stroll the streets of Phnom Penh and explore the city (take a hotel card with you), taking in the interesting French colonial architecture. The National Museum, with its collection of classic Khmer craftsmanship, is well worth a visit. Your guide can give you suggestions for great local restaurants for dinner, and you may want to have a drink after dinner at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club

Accommodation

Patio Hotel or similiar (1 night)

Included Activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Meals Included

Today a full city tour introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh, a city that lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and shows the rich and diverse history of the country. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and are closed to the public. You will, however, be able to visit the Silver Pagoda that lies in the palace complex, which is the most sacred temple in the country. Phnom Penh remains a living relic of the country’s past struggles and successes. Your included visits to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. There is an optional visit to Wat Phnom, the temple that gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th century. You will have an included lunch at the restaurant run by the Friends International - the organisation and it partners reach out to over 60,000 at risk children, young people, their families and communities each year, supporting them to have a better future through training and work experience. An ideal way to spend your second evening here is to relax in a cafe by the riverfront.

Notes: The restaurant run by the Friends organisation is closed on public and school holidays. Alternative dinner arrangements will be made during these times. The Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are major parts of the experience here, but if you don't wish to visit them, please inform your tour leader.

Accommodation

Patio Hotel or similiar (1 night)

Included Activities

Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Prison Museum (S21)

Phnom Penh - Choeung Ek (Killing Fields)

Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Optional Activities

Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom - USD2

Phnom Penh - National Museum - USD5

Phnom Penh -Cyclo Tour - USD4

Meals Included

Fly north to Siem Reap (approximately 40 minutes) where the great temples of Angkor await. On arrival, why not take a walk around to get acquainted with the town - you'll probably notice a change of pace here, so enjoy the atmosphere. There are an abundance of local eateries and lively markets in which to mingle with the locals.

Notes: You will be unaccompanied on the flight but will be met by a transfer to take you to your Siem Reap hotel.

Accommodation

Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa or similiar (1 night)

Included Activities

Siem Reap - Three Day Angkor Pass

Optional Activities

Siem Reap - Urban Adventures Tonle Sap Secrets - USD40

Siem Reap - Phare Cambodia Circus Ticket - USD15

Meals Included

Spend a full day visiting the amazing temples of Angkor on a guided exploration. Angkor Wat is the largest and most complete structure, and the only one of Angkor's temples that has its entrance facing west – the others face east. Then there is Angkor Thom, the 'Great Royal City', a temple is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. Of all the temples visited today, Bayon temple is the centrepiece, with over 200 smiling carved faces and more than 50 gothic towers. For lunch you'll visit the Sala Bai Hotel School where underprivileged local youths learn skills that enable them to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. Here you can enjoy a meal prepared by students at the school. After lunch you will head to the Ta Prohm temple, which has large trees embedded in the stone foundations of the structure – a powerful symbol of nature. End the day with a sunset view of the temples: an extraordinary way to see the sun go down.

Notes: The Sala Bai Hotel School is closed on public and school holidays, so on these days an alternative restaurant will be used.

Accommodation

Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa or similiar (1 night)

Included Activities

Siem Reap - Lunch at Sala Bai

Meals Included

Embrace a very early start today if you wish to experience a sunrise visit to the Angkor complex (this is optional). Later in the morning, venture to the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB), a organisation that rehabilitates animals that have fallen victim to wildlife trafficking and provides a breeding facility for highly endangered animal species. From here, continue onto Banteay Srei. You'll see it's not a huge temple, but thanks to its intricate stone carvings it is sometimes referred to as ‘the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art’. At this point you can either head back to your hotel or carry on exploring more temples, such as Preah Khan. This temple contains a maze of vaulted corridors and is another complex that has been largely reclaimed by the jungle. Your ticket for the Angkor ruins also lets you spend more time exploring this site. Otherwise you might like to take a free afternoon to explore the town. If you have time, perhaps indulge in a traditional Khmer massage. Perhaps cap off your final night with a Khmer dinner.

Days

6

Price from

$1,990AUD

Cambodia's Angkor Wat is one of the most prominent attractions in all of South East Asia. Long considered 'lost', the ruins of Angkor were never really lost to the Khmers, who have used the monuments as religious sites throughout their history. The site includes the ancient city area of Angkor Thom, with its many carved stone faces standing as silent witnesses to former days of glory, and Ta Prohm, a temple complex slowly being reclaimed by the jungle. Explore vibrant Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, and visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a sombre reminder of the reign of Pol Pot. The revitalised city is also home to Wat Phnom, as well as the Silver Pagoda that is located in the Royal Palace. Phnom Penh's waterfront, located near the confluence of the Tonle Sap and the mighty Mekong River, is a hive of activity and a great place to relax.

Independent Journeys

Independent travel, without the stress. Peregrine’s Independent Journeys are a range of Peregrine's best-selling group tours, available for 1-3 people. They depart on any day and are accompanied by a Peregrine guide in each location and 24/7 support from the local Peregrine office.

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking.
2.. This is an "independent" version of one of Intrepid's most popular trips.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.